What is the VAE ?
The VAE (Validation of Acquired Experience / Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning) is an individual right included in the French Labor Code: “anyone engaged in the working life is entitled to validate the achievements of their life experience, including professional experience, in order to obtain a diploma, a professional title or a certificate of qualification”. It is thus intended for anyone wishing to have their skills acknowledged, based on their professional, personal and volunteering experience and be granted a diploma or a professional title.
The Institut Lyfe (formerly Institut Paul Bocuse) offers degrees registered in Répertoire National des Certifications Professionnelles (the French National Directory of Professional Certification), accessible through the VAE:
- RNCP41647-Chef (Level 4)
- RNCP42061-Becoming a pastry chef and baker (Level 3)
- RNCP37719-DIPLOVIS-Bachelor’s Degree in International Restauration Management (Level 6)
- RNCP37932-DIPLOVIS-Bachelor’s Degree in International Culinary Arts Management (Level 6)
- RNCP39248-Manager in Hotel and Restaurant Management (Level 7)
Can you apply for a degree through the VAE?
The VAE is open to everyone. The only condition is to justify activities in line with one of the degrees offered by the Institut Lyfe – whether you are currently employed, self-employed, a job applicant or a volunteer – regardless of your initial level of qualification or your age.
What are the steps to obtaining a degree through the VAE?
In accordance with Law No. 2022-1598 of 21 December 2022 and its implementing decree No. 2023-1275, all VAE applications must now be submitted through the national portal France VAE. This single portal centralises the entire process and allows, in particular, the use of the Personal Training Account (CPF), any employer top-up funding, and other supplementary financing.
Step 1: Information about VAE at Institut Lyfe
We offer an initial information and advisory meeting with the person responsible for VAE at Institut Lyfe, in order to review your project, the qualifications you can access, and the available funding options. To arrange this, please contact:
Anna GAVOILLE – Educational Engineering Officer
E-mail : agavoille@institutlyfe.com
Tél. : +33 (0)4 87 63 38 35
Step 2: Submitting your application on the France VAE website
You will then need to submit your application on the France VAE platform.
To do so, you will need to create a candidate account.
The following documents will be required:
- The completed France VAE feasibility file
- National identity card (front and back)
- CV and cover letter
Institut Lyfe will assess your eligibility based on an analysis of these documents within a maximum period of 2 months following submission.
Step 3: Writing and submitting the VAE validation file (formerly known as Livret 2)
If your application is deemed eligible, you may begin compiling your VAE validation file. This file typically runs between 70 and 100 pages, to which appendices and supporting documents are added. The aim is to describe your professional experience by providing documented evidence of your mastery of the competencies set out in the targeted qualification framework, with analytical perspective and a reflective approach.
This stage spans a period of 6 to 12 months at most. You are free to choose the Pathway Support Architect (AAP) who will guide you throughout the process. Their role is to assist you in selecting relevant professional situations, articulating the competencies you have applied, structuring your account, gathering documentary evidence, and preparing for the oral presentation before the jury.
Step 4: Oral defence before the VAE validation jury
Once your file is complete, you submit it via France VAE. You then select your jury date. A minimum period of one month is required between the date of submission and the chosen jury date.
The jury is composed of 3 or 4 members, including 2 professionals from the relevant sector, in accordance with the declarations made to France Compétences.
The jury deliberates on the basis of the competency assessment grid for the targeted qualification. At the end of its deliberations, the validation jury rules on the certification request and may reach one of the following three decisions:
- grant full validation of the targeted certification;
- grant partial validation of the targeted certification;
- refuse validation of the targeted certification.
In the case of partial validation, the jury considers that the candidate’s acquired skills partially meet the requirements of the targeted certification. It then proceeds to award one or more competency blocks from the certification, based on the elements that have been validated. The blocks thus obtained are permanently acquired and cannot be called into question. The jury then informs the candidate of the competencies not yet achieved and provides recommendations with a view to obtaining the full certification.
When are the next assessment panel dates for the VAE?
- Thursday, 15 October 2026
FUNDING
The total cost of the VAE (Validation of Acquired Experience) support program is €6,400 incl. VAT, broken down as follows:
Eligibility File Review Fee (Booklet 1): €500 incl. VAT
This fee covers the analysis of your application, verification of prerequisites, and the administrative processing of your eligibility file.
Support and Jury Fees: €5,900 incl. VAT
This amount includes:
- A package of 20 hours of personalized one-on-one support, provided by a VAE expert.
- Preparation for the VAE jury presentation.
- Administrative and educational follow-up throughout the entire process.
YOUR CONTACT
Anna GAVOILLE – Educational Engineering Officer
E-mail : agavoille@institutlyfe.com
Tél. : +33 (0)4 87 63 38 35
Read Elodie’s testimonial about completing her VAE with the Lyfe Executive Education Institute.